CII Conference chalks out the synergetic way for corporate social responsibility
‘Inclusive and impactful CSR initiatives could rejuvenate corporates and its relationship to society’
Industry captains, government representatives, representatives from self-help groups (SHGs) and NGOs got together as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Uttar Pradesh organised the 5th edition of CSR Conference (Corporate Social Responsibility) Moving Towards Synergetic Convergence of Society & Corporate Governance in association with UP State Commission for protection of Child Rights, GoUP and UNICEF to create synergies and partnerships between NGO’s, corporate houses and government for proper execution of CSR projects and create synergies between the agents of social change.
Ms Juhie Singh, Chairperson, UP State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Chief Guest for the conference, lauded CII for the initiative and work done in the area of CSR & emphasized that CII has a larger role in forging a sustainable bond between industry and society, especially those who belong to the marginalised section.
“Every child has right to learn and as a responsible citizen it is our duty to ensure their rights” said, Ms Singh. She further added the businesses cannot operate in isolation so it is desirable that a link between businesses and society is established. It is a matter of delight that Indian businesses have created several pioneering models in CSR.
“The conference today aims to bring out diverse stakeholder viewpoints on CSR in practice and the possible strategies to make CSR effective and oriented towards creating impact in a systematic manner. This will drive the next wave of innovation and productivity growth in the global economy. It will also rejuvenate capitalism and its relationship to society. Perhaps most important to all is the learning on how to create shared value in business” said Mr Atul Mehra, Vice Chairman CII UP State Council & MD, Tasty Dairy Specialties Ltd.
Dr Aprajita Ramadayani, Director-HR, Jackson Ltd. explained how Corporate Sustainability practices are evolving fast, both as a concept and as a business strategy. CSR is now perceived as an eternal part of the organization’s policy process.
To achieve social equilibrium in the society, it is highly imperative that Industry comes forward and collaborates with government in the key areas of health, education, skills upgradation, Aid / employment opportunities to Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and participates actively in various social welfare schemes and urban development measures as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
The conference included focused panel discussion on key issues concerning health, sanitation, education and child rights for the marginalised section.
The key panelist of the conference included:
Mr Sharad Agarwal, CEO, HLFPPT
Mr Atul Mehra, Managing Director, Tasty Dairy Specialities Ltd
Dr Rana Singh, Assistant Director, Institutional Research Unit, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
Ms Anupam Nidhi, Head – Group CSR, Reliance ADAG
Dr Aparajitha Ramadyani, Head - HR, Jakson Ltd
Mr Bharatarshabha Dasa, VP Communication, Akshaya Patra Foundation
Mr Abhinav Sinha, Head CSR, Indo-Gulf Fertilizers
Mr Giresh Mohan, Regional Manager-North, ITC Ltd
Mr Aditya Vidyasagar, Chief Executive Facilitator, Vidyasagar Associates
Dr Anjani Singh, Eldeco Housing & Industries Ltd
Ms Sudha bajpai, Eldeco Housing & Industries Ltd
Ms Kusum Mohapatra, MagicBus
Around 170 representatives from the industry, civil society and government attended the conference.
29 May 2015
Lucknow